Talk to your doctor about your medications. You may be asked to stop taking some medications up to one week before the procedure.

If instructed, take enemas to clean out your intestines.

Arrange for a ride home and for help at home.

Eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia
is usually used for this surgery. Anesthesia blocks pain and keeps you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.

Description of the Procedure

You may be given antibiotics just before surgery. There are two different methods that are described here.

Open Abdominal Hysterectomy

An incision will be made in the lower abdomen. This is done to expose the tissue and blood vessels that surround the uterus. The tissue will then be cut. The blood vessels will be tied off. The uterus will be removed. Next, the tissue will be sewn back together and the skin will be closed with stitches or staples. If the cervix is also removed, stitches will be put in the back of the vagina.

Abdominal Hysterectomy

Open Vaginal Hysterectomy

This method will not involve any outside incisions. The vagina will be stretched and kept open with special tools. Next, the uterus and cervix will be cut free. The connecting blood vessels will be tied off. The uterus and cervix will be removed through the vagina. Lastly, the top of the vagina will be closed with stitches.

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